News Archive: 2008 | 2007
The Humphrey Institute’s Elizabeth Wilson, an assistant professor and a founding fellow of the Institute on the Environment, has received a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to research the diffusion of emerging energy technologies within a state context. (12/2007)
Five renewable energy projects led by U of M researchers have been selected to receive more than $4.5 million from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund. IREE initially established and supported several of these projects. (12/10/2007)
Paige Novak, a civil engineering associate professor and a founding fellow of the Institute on the Environment, received the Paul L. BuschAward in October by the Water Environment Research Foundation for her research on potentially ecologically-damaging compounds known as industrial estrogens. (12/2007)
Institute’s first Discovery Grants awarded
The Institute on the Environment has announced the award of 10 Discovery Grants, with a total value of approximately $2.7 million to be disbursed over two years. These grants support multidisciplinary research on biofuels and the environment, and specifically address the development of new biofuel resources or technologies and/or research the interconnections between biofuels and the environment and economy. Several Institute Fellows were recipients of these awards. For more information, visit our research project page and search on "Institute on the Environment" in the "Sponsor" field.
Institute Interim Director Deborah Swackhamer receives Harvey G. Rogers award
Professor and Institute on the Environment Interim Director Deborah Swackhamer received the 2007 Harvey G. Rogers Environmental Health Leadership Award from the Minnesota Public Health Association at a ceremony in June. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to preserving the environment of Minnesota and protecting the health of its people.
Institute Fellow Susan Galatowitsch named Fesler-Lampert Chair
Susan Galatowitsch, professor of restoration ecology in the Department of Horticultural Science and fellow of the Institute on the Environment, has been named the 2007–2008 Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs. Galatowitsch’s appointment, announced this past May, was made by the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, Gail Dubrow, based on recommendations from the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs nominating committee. In making the announcement, Dubrow praised Galatowitsch’s focus on restoration science and the connections to public policy as “timely and especially appropriate for the Fesler-Lampert Chair.”
Minnesota Legislature Continues Support of IREE
The 2007 Minnesota Legislature re-authorized annual funding for the University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE), part of the Institute on the Environment. Funding for IREE will continue to come from the Xcel Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) and the Renewable Development Fund (RDF). Over the next few years the total commitment will gradually increase to an amount of $5M annually. Funds will be used to continue IREE's goals of conducting innovative research, building strategic partnerships, and providing outreach in the areas of renewable energy and the environment.
Institute receives $2.1 million bequest
A $7 million bequest was made to the University Foundation by an anonymous donor to be divided between the College of Design ($2.1 million), Institute on the Environment ($2.1 million), Department of Forest Resources in CFANS ($560,000), U-wide scholarships ($560,000), campus beautification ($560,000), medical research ($560,000), and University Libraries ($560,000).
Institute delivers phase I of SCPP
The first phase of the Statewide Conservation and Preservation Plan project is complete, and the Institute delivered its progress report, called the Preliminary Plan, to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources on July 17, 2007. The report captured the current state of Minnesota's natural resources, identified major drivers effecting change to those resources, and a recommendation for how to focus efforts for the Final Plan, due June 30, 2008. For more information, see the project Web site.
